Jose "Juan" Villarreal

Weslaco- Jose "Juan" Villarreal, a devoted family man, faithful prayer warrior, and vibrant soul who embraced life to the fullest, passed away peacefully at his home in Weslaco on April 7, 2025, surrounded by those he loved most. Born on June 23, 1940, Juan’s life was a testament to perseverance, love, and steadfast faith—qualities that deeply touched everyone fortunate to know him.

In 1966, while working as a migrant laborer in Hoopeston, Illinois, Juan met the love of his life, Ninfa Garcia. Their instant and enduring connection culminated in a beautiful marriage at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco the following year. The couple moved to Baytown, Texas, where Juan’s work led them to plant roots and begin their family. In October 1967, they welcomed their first child, Juan. They built a life together in Baytown for fifteen years before returning to their beloved hometown of Weslaco in 1982.

Together, Juan and Ninfa created a warm and nurturing home for their ten children. Juan worked tirelessly to provide for his growing family, while Ninfa reigned as the heart of the household—its monarch and steadfast disciplinarian. Despite the challenges of raising a large family on a single income, Juan’s unwavering work ethic and resourcefulness never wavered. His quiet strength, deep-rooted values, and love for his family became a guiding force that shaped the lives of his children and left a lasting legacy of unity, resilience, and faith.

Juan’s wit and charm were nothing short of legendary. He often lit up a room with a single phrase or quick comeback. A true man of God, he lived his faith with humility and reverence while never losing the colorful personality that made him so beloved. His conversations were sprinkled with humor and heart, seamlessly blending spiritual wisdom with everyday joy.

A devoted Astros fan, Juan rarely missed a game, whether from the comfort of his home or cheering from the stands. He relished sharing those moments with family, turning each game into a celebration. His personalized nicknames and playful commentary for every player added a layer of laughter and excitement that made watching baseball with him unforgettable.

Juan also loved football; Tuesdays during the season became a cherished ritual. He’d head to the library to dive into research on his favorite teams, studying stats and matchups with the same focus and enthusiasm he brought to every aspect of life. Afterwards, he’d play Pro Pick’em, treating it not just as a game, but as a weekly tradition that brought him joy and friendly competition. It was just another example of Juan’s passion for life, attention to detail, and the simple pleasures that made his days rich and full.

A self-taught man shaped by years of travel and hard work as a migrant laborer, Juan continually nurtured both his career and his personal growth. Though life demanded resilience, he remained steadfast in his commitment to family, consistently placing them above all else. Beneath a rugged, hardworking exterior was a gentle soul—quiet, thoughtful, and endlessly kind. He was known for his calm presence, ability to listen without judgment, and the steady, comforting wisdom he offered to those around him.

Juan’s spiritual life ran deep. Each day, he prayed with intention and devotion, often pausing in quiet reflection before a portrait of Jesus. Many of those prayers were for his children—intercessions from a father’s heart that echoed his enduring love and care. To Juan, this daily communion with God was one of his greatest accomplishments, second only to the beautiful, thriving family he and Ninfa built together.

Beyond his industrious spirit and unwavering faith, Juan found great joy in life's simple pleasures—especially in the garden. His beautifully manicured yard was more than just a patch of land; it was a living canvas, carefully tended with love and skill. Neighbors admired his lush landscape, a testament to his green thumb and deep knowledge of trees, plants, and herbs. Over the years, Juan became a go-to expert for herbal remedies, always ready with a natural cure and a story to go with it.

Sundays held a special rhythm in Juan’s home. Nearly every week, the scent of barbecue would drift through the air as he fired up the grill, welcoming his children, grandchildren, and friends to gather for a hearty meal. These afternoons were filled with laughter, storytelling, and the unmistakable warmth of a man who took great pride in the family he built and the memories they created together.

Juan’s legacy will forever be remembered through his love for his family, unwavering spirit, and the countless memories shared around the family table. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Olivia (Rocha) Villarreal, his beloved wife, Ninfa, their daughter, Nancy, his siblings, Ruven Villarreal, and Petra Villarreal.

He is survived by ten children, Juan Villarreal, Ricardo Villarreal (Priscilla), Nora Elia Lopez (Jose Juan), Diana Elizabeth Guerra (Paul), Osvaldo “Waldo” Aaron Villarreal (Ruby), Raul “Luli” Sergio Villarreal (Lulu), Kimberly “Kim” Villarreal (Anthony “Tony”), Cynthia “Cindy” Teresita Villarreal (Sergio Martinez), Daniel “Danny” Villarreal (Karin), and Edwardo “Eddie” Villarreal (Sandy), his siblings who affectionately referred to him as “Juanito”, Hortencia “Tencha” Garza (Mayo+), Maria Diaz (Timoteo+), Amalia Alvarez (David), Virginia Mendiola (Jesus), grandchildren, Valeria "Val”, Ricardo Jr. "Richie", Rolando "Rollie", Alfredo, Deyanira, Gabriel, Jose Juan Jr. "JJ" (Andrea), Corinna, Vanessa (Luis), Aaliyah, Abigail "Abby" (Ashley), Leanne (Julian), Paul Jr "Paulie" (Daisy), Robert “Bobby”, Easton, Ryan, Alina, Shawn, Alivia, Ariel, Samantha "Sammy", Sergio Jr., Mathieu, Kaelyn, Angel, Kylie, Laila, and Davian, great-grandchildren, Devin, Abel, Ari, Luis Jr "Titu", April, Ivan, Catalina, and Jayden, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on April 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church on April 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM, concluding with his burial at the Weslaco City Cemetery at 3:00 PM.

In his passing, Juan Villarreal leaves behind a family and a legacy of love that will ripple through generations. His light will never fade, as each cherished memory becomes a testament to a life well-lived, characterized by faith, family, and an unwavering love for those dear to him.